At Nevo, we’re all about helping drivers get the most out of their electric vehicles, from making informed choices to enjoying a smooth ownership experience. Powered by AXA, this guide brings you expert-backed advice on how to navigate EV ownership in Ireland. From reducing running costs to staying covered and confident on the road, we’ve put together five essential tips to help ensure peace of mind for every EV owner.

1. Understand Your Charging Options

Ireland’s EV charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly, but knowing your options can ease range anxiety and keep you confidently on the move. Home charging is one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to power your EV. Installing a dedicated home charger lets you take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, meaning you can wake up to a fully charged car every morning.

If home charging isn’t an option, public charging stations are a solid alternative. Apps like ESB eCars and Ionity can help you locate the nearest fast chargers and offer real-time updates on availability and pricing. Many workplaces and shopping centres also offer free or discounted EV charging, adding to the savings. With most major motorways and towns now well-equipped for EVs, we think it’s safe to say range anxiety is quickly becoming a thing of the past!

2. Take Advantage of Grants & Incentives

The Irish government continues to offer generous incentives to encourage EV adoption, and making full use of them can lead to big savings. The SEAI grant provides up to €3,500 towards the purchase of a new electric vehicle, and there’s a separate grant of up to €300 for home charger installation. On top of that, EV owners can benefit from Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT) relief of up to €5,000, helping to make that initial cost much more manageable. For business owners, accelerated capital allowances are available for both electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, reducing taxable income. Staying on top of these incentives ensures you get the best possible value from your EV investment.

3. Utilise Regenerative Braking & Practice Battery Care

One of the standout features of EVs is regenerative braking, a clever system that recovers energy during deceleration and feeds it back into your battery. It not only boosts efficiency but also reduces wear on your braking system. To get the most out of it, adjust your settings to maximise regen (usually via the gear selector or paddles behind the steering wheel). Lifting off the accelerator early can assist with energy recovery. When it comes to battery health, it’s best to avoid frequent rapid charging unless necessary, as this can accelerate degradation. Keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80% (depending on your EV model) also helps extend its lifespan.

4. Know Your Real-World Range

Every EV comes with a quoted WLTP range, but seasoned drivers know that those numbers don’t always match up with everyday driving. Factors like motorway speeds, cold weather, use of climate control, elevation changes, and even tyre pressure can all impact how far you actually go on a charge. If you're new to electric driving, the best way to build confidence is by learning how your EV behaves on your routes. Start by resetting your trip computer after a full charge and tracking your energy consumption (kWh/100km or mi/kWh). Compare your average over several commutes to your car’s rated efficiency, that’s your real-world baseline. Range becomes much less intimidating when you stop treating the number on the screen as a hard limit and start seeing it as a dynamic guide.

5. Stay Informed and Ask Questions

Ireland’s EV landscape is evolving quickly. From new government incentives to charging tech and vehicle upgrades, staying informed will help you make smart decisions. Follow trusted sources like the Nevo website, local EV forums, and social media channels for the latest updates on infrastructure, grants, and expert tips. And don’t hesitate to ask questions, whether you’re at the dealership, servicing your car, or just curious about a new software update. The more you know, the more empowered you'll feel as an EV driver.

Final Thoughts

Peace of mind as an EV owner in Ireland comes down to being informed and proactive. By understanding your charging options, maximising grants, taking care of your battery, ensuring proper insurance cover, and keeping up to date with the latest developments, you can enjoy a smooth and confident electric driving experience.

AXA have been providing car insurance to customers across Ireland for over 25 years. For EV owners, you can get fire and theft cover for your battery and cable, accidental damage to your battery and up to €650 for accidental damage to your wall charger depending on which cover you choose. Visit the AXA website today for more information.